Cupping

What is cupping, how does it work, and why is it beneficial?

Cupping, or as it is technically known as myofascial cupping, is a therapy that focuses on soft tissue. The process involves applying decompressed cups on the skin resulting in a vacuum effect which pulls the tissues up to the surface of the skin (fascia for example) as well as muscles, blood, and other fluids. Areas of the body targeted by myofascial cupping typically include the back, neck, shoulders, low back, abdomen, arms, and legs.

Once affixed to the skin, the cups can be moved in a gliding motion over the skin or they can remain stationary for brief periods over an identified trigger point or problem area. Due to the suction of the cup, clients may have red marks or even mild bruising after a treatment which is normal and actually is part of the therapeutic benefits of cupping as it works by stimulating neural pathways that have been blocked, changing pain thresholds, promoting blood flow and circulation, relieving swelling and raising tissue temperature. Cupping has been proven through a number of scientific studies to have a positive effect in the areas of chronic pain relief resulting in an improved quality of life for the patient. Where does this therapy come from?

What are the origins of myofascial cupping?

300 B.C.E. is as far back that the earliest use of cupping is recorded.  According to Ge Hong, a Taoist alchemist and herbalist, animal horns were used as the cups. Some have held that cupping dates back even earlier, to around 3000 B.C.E. In fact, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the Western world, The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 B.C.E) details how the Egyptians used cupping. Further to this, Hippocrates (c. 400 B.C.E.), of ancient Greece, applied cupping to treat internal disease and structural problems.

As time progressed so did the implements used for cupping. For example, the Chinese made cups of bamboo, bronze, and even pottery. During the 20^th century, the more common glass cups were developed. These glass cups are depressurized by applying some fire in the cup to heat up the air inside it just prior to placement.

Why choose Rippling Waters for your myofascial cupping therapy treatment?

We adopt a holistic approach to massage therapy which means we have a deep understanding of how the body works and how to ensure that wellness and recovery are the aims of the variety of treatments we offer, including cupping. We have treated countless clients with cupping and the benefits are seen in how our clients feel post-treatment. Discover if cupping is right for you! Book an appointment and we can explain in more detail the benefits of this form of therapy!